This is why ‘Rick and Morty’ season 4 is going to be so darn late

The show’s creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have explained why we’ll be waiting so long for the next season of Rick and Morty - and it’s quite a good reason

Wubba Lubba Dub Dub! We got the extremely exciting news recently that Rick and Morty had been renewed for another 70 episodes. This is enough intergalactic comedy to keep up going for years.

Dan Harmon and co-creator Justin Roiland even posted this wonderfully bizarre shower video showing them getting back to work to make those extra episodes.

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But the fly in the ointment is just how long we’ve had to wait. Season 3 of the excellent animated show aired in October 2017 and we’re told that the illusive season 4 might not air until 2019. So what gives?

In a new chat with GQ, which was held before the news of the show’s renewal, it’s revealed that time and money were two very important factors behind the delay. The article explains:

“‘It has [been renewed], but we’re still in negotiations.’ Harmon and Roiland say they’re holding out for a contract that grants them immortality. Or, if immortality is unavailable, at least ‘many, many, many more seasons,’ and enough money so that, as Roiland says, Harmon ‘doesn’t have to take 12 other jobs while we’re working on season four.’ That way, Harmon can give Rick and Morty the full attention it deserves. To be able to follow his bliss, without taking on a dozen other tortures-for-hire.”

In a follow-up conversation after the show was picked up for season 4, Harmon added:

“I can finally actually breathe and be as excited as I’ve wanted to be… From now on, the reason I’m not writing the show will be because I’m done writing it for the day, and I’m having fun. That’ll be nice.”

This is excellent. Rick and Morty is one of those shows that pretty much defies standard TV tropes and conventions – so the thought of them being given even more time and freedom to create cool, out-there stuff is just fantastic.